trim scratches and blemishes - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

**MikeB** · 10-13-2025, 05:01 PM

Is there a way to remove the fine scratches and stains in this 69 outer grille? Or is it clear coated?

**Orange71shorty** · 10-13-2025, 08:12 PM

They are anodized, so short of stripping off the anodizing and polishing out the flaws there isn’t much you can do unfortunately

**MikeB** · 10-14-2025, 01:02 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Orange71shorty

They are anodized, so short of stripping off the anodizing and polishing out the flaws there isn’t much you can do unfortunately

I was afraid of that. Many years ago I tried to clean up some mid-50s Chevy car trim, and got down to bare aluminum. Kinda like color-sanding a top coat down into primer! I've done that, too!

Guess I'll just live with the scratches, etc. Actually you have to be looking for them to notice the flaws.

my67c20 · 10-15-2025, 09:53 AM

If you feel adventurous, go to ACE hardware and buy a small bottle of lye. Soak your parts and it will soften the clear anodizing. It only takes a few minutes, depending on the strength you mix it up. Occasionally scrub the part with a green scroungy pad to remove to see if you are able to remove the anodizing. Then you can sand or file the areas smooth. Then buff the parts to a shine. Had some pretty banged up headlight bezels that I did this to and was they came out pretty good. Only took a few hours. Of course wear some protection and do it outside. Be sure to rinse everything off really good.

**MikeB** · 10-15-2025, 11:33 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by my67c20

If you feel adventurous, go to ACE hardware and buy a small bottle of lye. Soak your parts and it will soften the clear anodizing. It only takes a few minutes, depending on the strength you mix it up. Occasionally scrub the part with a green scroungy pad to remove to see if you are able to remove the anodizing. Then you can sand or file the areas smooth. Then buff the parts to a shine. Had some pretty banged up headlight bezels that I did this to and was they came out pretty good. Only took a few hours. Of course wear some protection and do it outside. Be sure to rinse everything off really good.

Sounds like a good idea, but the areas I've shown are both part of the outer grille.

**Getter-Done** · 10-15-2025, 01:50 PM

Have you tried Wenol?

Link: https://www.amazon.com/Polishes-Pres...0549479&sr=8-7

Casper42 · 10-24-2025, 01:22 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Getter-Done

Have you tried Wenol?

that will likely remove the anodized finish. his scratches appear deep

**70STOVEBOLT** · 10-24-2025, 02:39 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Getter-Done

Have you tried Wenol?

Link: https://www.amazon.com/Polishes-Pres...0549479&sr=8-7

The description for Wenol on Amazon literally says "Not recommended for painted and plated metals or anodized aluminum."

**zicc1835** · 10-24-2025, 08:31 PM

check this out
https://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/...ight=everbrite

and this
https://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/...d.php?t=833834

**Getter-Done** · 10-24-2025, 11:09 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Casper42

that will likely remove the anodized finish. his scratches appear deep

Quote:

Originally Posted by 70STOVEBOLT

The description for Wenol on Amazon literally says "Not recommended for painted and plated metals or anodized aluminum."

Thank Ya'll for noticing this, The Blue Tube is what I meant to suggest.

It is unavailable on Amazon.

The Blue stuff is what I have used in the past.

It still may not be the perfect solution.

I am not sure the results that the Blue stuff would provide.

Here's a link for the blue stuff.

It is unavailable also.

It may have been discontinued like Johnson paste wax.

Link: https://www.walmart.com/ip/Wenol-Ult...Blue/322534612

10-13-2025, 05:01 PM	#1
MikeB Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2000 Location: North Texas Posts: 4,038	trim scratches and blemishes Is there a way to remove the fine scratches and stains in this 69 outer grille? Or is it clear coated? Attached Images __________________ Mike 1969 Custom/10 LWB -- owned for 37 years. 350/TH350, 3.08 posi, recent AAW wiring harness, 5-lug conversion, 1985 spindles and brakes. Hedman stainless headers. Old Air installation in progress. 1982 Custom Deluxe 10 SWB -- converted from 250-six to roller cam 350 w/ Vortec heads -- sold 1981 C10 Silverado LWB, 305, TH350C -- sold, but wish I still had it! 1969 C10 (not the current one) which I bought in the early 1980s. Paid $1200; sold for $1500 a few years later. Just a hint at the appreciation that was coming. Retired as a factory automation products salesman. Worked part-time over the years for an engine builder and a classic car repair shop. Member here for 26 years! This is the very first car/truck Internet forum I joined. I still used a dial-up modem back then!

10-13-2025, 08:12 PM	#2
Orange71shorty Senior Member Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: Helena, Montana Posts: 751	Re: trim scratches and blemishes They are anodized, so short of stripping off the anodizing and polishing out the flaws there isn’t much you can do unfortunately

10-15-2025, 09:53 AM	#4
my67c20 Registered User Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: Tucson AZ by way of WI & CA Posts: 530	Re: trim scratches and blemishes If you feel adventurous, go to ACE hardware and buy a small bottle of lye. Soak your parts and it will soften the clear anodizing. It only takes a few minutes, depending on the strength you mix it up. Occasionally scrub the part with a green scroungy pad to remove to see if you are able to remove the anodizing. Then you can sand or file the areas smooth. Then buff the parts to a shine. Had some pretty banged up headlight bezels that I did this to and was they came out pretty good. Only took a few hours. Of course wear some protection and do it outside. Be sure to rinse everything off really good.

10-15-2025, 01:50 PM	#6
Getter-Done Senior Member Join Date: Dec 2009 Location: TN. Posts: 9,873	Re: trim scratches and blemishes Have you tried Wenol? Link: https://www.amazon.com/Polishes-Pres...0549479&sr=8-7 __________________ ________________________________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________ The early bird gets the worm, But the second mouse gets the cheese 85 Chevy K-20 63 Impala (my high school car) http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...Crew Cab Build

10-24-2025, 08:31 PM	#9
zicc1835 Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2011 Location: Hanover NJ Posts: 4,842	Re: trim scratches and blemishes check this out https://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/...ight=everbrite and this https://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/...d.php?t=833834 __________________ Grand Theft Auto https://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/...d.php?t=855961 Doc & Kim build http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=722288 I am from the desert http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=650332 basket case build SOLD http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=648557 Last edited by zicc1835; 10-24-2025 at 08:34 PM. Reason: add



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